Pasture Grass (Fresh) — Livestock Feed Analysis
Fresh pasture grass is the lowest-cost forage available, providing 12% crude protein and 62% TDN on a dry matter basis when well-managed. The very low dry matter content (25%) means that livestock must consume large volumes of fresh grass to meet their dry matter needs, requiring 80-100 lbs of fresh grass for a 1,200-lb cow to achieve 24 lbs of daily dry matter intake. Pasture quality varies enormously with season, species composition, soil fertility, and grazing management. Spring pasture can exceed 20% crude protein, while dormant winter pasture may drop below 5%. Rotational grazing systems maintain forage quality by preventing overgrazing and allowing plants to recover between grazing periods. While pasture grass has zero direct cost if the land is owned, the true cost includes fencing, water systems, seed, fertilizer, and the opportunity cost of the land. Pasture-based systems are valued for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and the health benefits of grass-fed animal products.
Which Animals Can Pasture Grass (Fresh) Feed?
The table below shows how Pasture Grass (Fresh) performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 12% crude protein and 62% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 12% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 62% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where pasture grass (fresh) fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 96.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 196.0 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 88.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 21.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 24.0 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 21.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 48.0 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 30.0 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.8 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 1.2 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 3.5 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 1.3 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 1.1 lbs | No | No | $0.00 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 25.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 10.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 30.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 144.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 80.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 20.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $0.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Pasture Grass (Fresh) with other feeds in the forage category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Timothy Hay | 88% | 9% | 55% | $200 | $227 |
| Bermuda Grass Hay | 88% | 10% | 52% | $160 | $182 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Pasture Grass (Fresh) | 25% | 12% | 62% | $0 | $0 |
| Alfalfa Hay Cubes | 90% | 17% | 56% | $300 | $333 |
Feeding Guidelines for Pasture Grass (Fresh)
When incorporating pasture grass (fresh) into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 25%, each pound of as-fed pasture grass (fresh) provides 0.25 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 12% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 1.9 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 62% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of pasture grass (fresh) at $0 per ton translates to $0.000 per pound as-fed or $0.000 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.